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Fort Brady - Soldiers in the Snow Explore the captivating story of Fort Brady, Michigan, from 1900 to 1941. This video looks at the historic U.S. Army fort in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, where soldiers guarded the Soo Locks and endured brutal winters. You’ll see vintage photographs of troops clearing deep snow, playing baseball on the parade field, and marching to a military band. Fort Brady was built to protect American territory, but life at the post included everyday friendships and pastimes. Learn how the fort grew in the early 1900s with new barracks and officers’ houses that hosted summer training camps, and even had its own Women’s Army Corps barracks in the 1930s.  Cold-weather training was a big part of Fort Brady’s mission. In World War II, 15,000 troops were stationed here to practice arctic warfare. Weaves together archival stories about military life, recreation, and the challenges of Michigan winters.

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Pontiac’s War – The Fire That Swept the Great Lakes In 1763, the Great Lakes erupted in rebellion. The war between Britain and France had ended, but peace never reached the frontier. When British officers replaced French traders at forts like Detroit and Michilimackinac, Indigenous nations faced an empire that dismissed their alliances and restricted their trade. The result was a sweeping uprising led by an Odawa war chief named Pontiac — a conflict that reshaped both Michigan and North America. This ten-minute episode of End of the Road in Michigan takes listeners to the forests and rivers where Pontiac’s alliance struck back against British control. From the five-month siege of Detroit to the daring lacrosse ruse that captured Fort Michilimackinac, the story reveals how the Indigenous nations of the Great Lakes forced the world’s most powerful army to change course. This episode explores the war’s origins in Neolin’s spiritual movement, the shocking use of smallpox as a weapon at Fort Pitt, and the human cost that rippled across the frontier. It ends with the Royal Proclamation of 1763 — Britain’s attempt to contain the unrest by recognizing Native land rights west of the Appalachians. Pontiac’s War – The Fire That Swept the Great Lakes is more than a story of rebellion; it’s a story of resilience, diplomacy, and the enduring will of the Great Lakes nations to protect their homelands. Key segments include: - The Delaware Prophet Neolin and the vision that inspired unity. - Pontiac’s council near Detroit and the start of the 1763 siege. - The capture of Fort Michilimackinac through a staged lacrosse game. - The British counterattack at the Battle of Bushy Run. - The Royal Proclamation of 1763 and its impact on Michigan. - The legacy of Pontiac’s leadership and the enduring lessons of the uprising.

📣 New Podcast! "Pontiac’s War – The Fire That Swept the Great Lakes" on @Spreaker #colonial #delaware #detroit #fort #great #history #lakes #michigan #michilimackinac #neolin #odawa #of #pontiac_s #proclamation #rebellion #royal #siege #tribes #war

40 reactions · 17 shares | At the Atlanta, Michigan courthouse in 1942, flames devoured decades of history – only for a second fire to strike the town hall one year later. Yet this resilient little co... At the Atlanta, Michigan courthouse in 1942, flames devoured decades of history – only for a second fire to strike the town hall one year later. Yet this resilient little community rebuilt from the...

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20K views · 428 reactions | Fire struck Kalkaska’s business district in 1908. The losses were massive. #VintageMichigan #Kalkaska #MichiganMoments | Thumbwind Fire struck Kalkaska’s business district in 1908. The losses were massive. #VintageMichigan #Kalkaska #MichiganMoments.

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10K views · 288 reactions | A Favorite Michigan Moment #ForestvilleMI #shortvideo❤️ #michiganmoments❤🌞😊 #Thumbwind | Thumbwind A Favorite Michigan Moment #ForestvilleMI #shortvideo❤️ #michiganmoments❤🌞😊 #Thumbwind.

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11K views · 273 reactions | Idlewild wasn’t just a vacation spot—it was a community built by determination. From soda shops to jazz clubs, this Michigan town became a safe haven when the country offer... Idlewild wasn’t just a vacation spot—it was a community built by determination. From soda shops to jazz clubs, this Michigan town became a safe haven when the country offered few. Tap to learn more..

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6.7K views · 175 reactions | Rose Island Resort was a beloved Saginaw Bay getaway famed for boat races, live music, and scenic beauty. Despite storms and challenges, it became an iconic part of Sebewa... Rose Island Resort was a beloved Saginaw Bay getaway famed for boat races, live music, and scenic beauty. Despite storms and challenges, it became an iconic part of Sebewaing’s summer traditions,...

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4.7K views · 156 reactions | A Favorite Michigan Moment #HarborBeach #shortvideo❤️ #michiganmoments❤🌞😊 #Thumbwind | Thumbwind A Favorite Michigan Moment #HarborBeach #shortvideo❤️ #michiganmoments❤🌞😊 #Thumbwind.

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14K views · 398 reactions | A Favorite Michigan Moment #GeneralStores #shortvideo❤️ #michiganmoments❤🌞😊 #Thumbwind | Thumbwind A Favorite Michigan Moment #GeneralStores #shortvideo❤️ #michiganmoments❤🌞😊 #Thumbwind.

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44K views · 1.2K reactions | Michigan was a road trip pioneer long before fast-food rest stops. In 1919, we opened America’s first roadside park – a simple picnic spot in the Upper Peninsula that spa... Michigan was a road trip pioneer long before fast-food rest stops. In 1919, we opened America’s first roadside park – a simple picnic spot in the Upper Peninsula that sparked a nationwide trend.

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The Curse of the Schooner Augusta, The Pariah of the Great Lakes On September 8, 1860, the sidewheel steamer Lady Elgin collided with the schooner Augusta off Winnetka, Illinois, sending more than 300 passengers into the frigid waters of Lake Michigan. While the disaster became one of the deadliest shipwrecks in Great Lakes history, much of the blame focused on the Augusta. Branded reckless, cursed, and unlucky, the schooner soon earned a reputation as a pariah of the inland seas. This episode of End of the Road in Michigan traces the tangled story of the Augusta—its role in the tragedy, the bitter legal battles that followed, and the dark superstitions that dogged the vessel until its end. Was the Augusta truly cursed, or simply a scapegoat in the wake of unimaginable loss?

📣 New Podcast! "The Curse of the Schooner Augusta, The Pariah of the Great Lakes" on @Spreaker #19th #augusta #century #cursed #disaster #elgin #folklore #great #history #illinois #lady #lakes #maritime #michigan #schooner #ship #shipwreck #winnetka

Listen to "Inside Spikehorn Meyers’ Wild Bear Camp in Harrison, Michigan" by Thumbwind Publications LLC via #spreaker www.spreaker.com/episode/insi...

Inside Spikehorn Meyers’ Wild Bear Camp in Harrison, Michigan The Bear Man of Harrison, Michigan In the 1930s and 1940s, motorists driving through Harrison, Michigan, often stopped at a roadside attraction unlike any other: Spikehorn Meyers’ Bear Den. Here, an eccentric old woodsman dressed in buckskin invited families to feed, pet, and even shake hands with live black bears. For nearly three decades, John “Spikehorn” Meyer turned his rustic camp into a legendary stop along US-27. Visitors gasped as bears sipped soda from glass bottles and nibbled popcorn from their hands. Spikehorn became both a beloved folk hero and a thorn in the side of state conservation officers, proudly displaying a sign that read, “Feed Conservation Officers to the Bears.”  In this episode of End of the Road in Michigan, we revisit the life of Spikehorn Meyers, his colorful partnership with “Chief Red Eagle,” and the unforgettable stories of the Bear Den. It’s a tale of showmanship, danger, humor, and the unique roadside history that shaped small towns across Michigan.

📣 New Podcast! "Inside Spikehorn Meyers’ Wild Bear Camp in Harrison, Michigan" on @Spreaker #attractions #bear #chief #clare #county #den #eagle #folklore #harrison #history #legends #meyers #michigan #red #roadside #spikehorn #tourism #up #us_27 #zoos

Quincy Mine: Old Reliable’s Rise, Innovation, and Strife (1890s–1945) In the early 1900s, Hancock’s Quincy Mine—nicknamed Old Reliable—was one of America’s most productive copper mines. It reached over a mile underground, ran the world’s largest steam hoist, and fueled Michigan’s Copper Country economy for decades. But the work was grueling, the hours long, and tensions boiled over in the 1913 strike—culminating in the Italian Hall disaster, one of the darkest days in Michigan’s labor history. In this End of the Road in Michigan episode, we uncover the full story: the rise, the innovation, and the strife that shaped the Quincy Mine and the community around it. Listen now and step back into a world where copper was king—and the cost of progress was paid in human lives. #QuincyMine #MichiganHistory #CopperCountry #EndOfTheRoadInMichigan

📣 New Podcast! "Quincy Mine: Old Reliable’s Rise, Innovation, and Strife (1890s–1945)" on @Spreaker #copper #country #disaster #hall #hancock #history #hoist #italian #keweenaw #labor #michigan #mine #mining #nordberg #peninsula #quincy #steam #strike

Saugatuck in the Early 1900s: Chicago’s Lakeshore Vacationland In this episode of End of the Road in Michigan, we take you back to the early 1900s, when Saugatuck transformed from a quiet lumber town into a vibrant summer retreat for Chicago’s city dwellers. You’ll hear how steamships, interurban trains, and hand-cranked ferries brought thousands to this lakeshore village. We revisit the days of the Big Pavilion, where electric lights lit up the harbor and music echoed across the water, and follow vacationers over Mt. Baldhead to the soft sands of Oval Beach. This episode also explores Saugatuck’s artistic legacy, with the founding of the Ox-Bow Summer School of Painting, and uncovers local stories — including Prohibition-era intrigue and the town’s growing reputation as a welcoming, creative community. It’s a story of reinvention, leisure, and the rhythms of summer that still echo today.

📣 New Podcast! "Saugatuck in the Early 1900s: Chicago’s Lakeshore Vacationland" on @Spreaker #art #baldhead #beach #big #chain #chicago #ferry #history #lake #michigan #moments #mt #oval #ox_bow #pavilion #resorts #saugatuck #school #tourists #vacation

North Adams: From Legendary Strength to Early 20th-Century Progress This episode traces North Adams, a Hillsdale County village that grew up along the rails and wired itself for the future. We open with the town’s most retold story—blacksmith Henry Taylor, a former slave who became a respected tradesman and was said to carry his anvil and once walk off with a potbelly stove. From there, we move down Main Street to Maccabee Hall, Barden’s Hotel, and C. J. Knapp’s store, then over to the 1912 Municipal Lighting Plant that brought electric light to homes and storefronts. We also cover a tough year: April 23, 1927, when sparks from a chimney ruined the village school. Classes shifted to Town Hall, the Odd Fellows hall, and the Congregational Church while a new building was planned. A 1927 newspaper snapshot rounds out daily life—about 500 residents, three churches, a 12-grade school on the University of Michigan list, a library of 900 books, and a full block of shops and services.

📣 New Podcast! "North Adams: From Legendary Strength to Early 20th-Century Progress" on @Spreaker #adams #blacksmith #county #depot #fire #hall #henry #hillsdale #history #lighting #maccabee #michigan #municipal #north #plant #railroad #school #taylor

History of De Tour Michigan – From Native Encampments to Tourist Life At the far eastern tip of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula lies De Tour Village, where the St. Marys River meets Lake Huron. In this episode of End of the Road in Michigan, we trace De Tour’s history from its earliest Native American encampments and French voyageurs to the bustling lumber era of the late 1800s. We revisit the days when the harbor was crowded with freighters, the winters when ships froze in place, and the arrival of summer tourists drawn to nearby Caribou Lake resorts. Through maritime heritage, economic change, and enduring small-town life, De Tour’s story reflects the history of Michigan’s Great Lakes communities.

📣 New Podcast! "History of De Tour Michigan – From Native Encampments to Tourist Life" on @Spreaker #caribou #de #drummond #era #ferry #great #history #island #lake #lakes #lighthouse #lumber #maritime #michigan #peninsula #resorts #shipping #tour #upper #vintage

The History of Tower, Michigan (1900–1950)  The History of Tower, Michigan (1900–1950)  In this episode of End of the Road in Michigan, we travel to Cheboygan County to tell the story of Tower, a northern Michigan village built on timber and the railroad. At the turn of the 20th century, Tower was a booming lumber town — home to busy sawmills, the Stratton Handle Factory, and a thriving Main Street lined with shops, hotels, and saloons. But Tower’s fortunes changed quickly. In 1911, a massive wildfire destroyed much of its industry and infrastructure. Just over a decade later, the Black River flooded, threatening to destroy the Tower Dam and washing out sections of railroad track. Through fire, flood, and economic decline, Tower adapted — from a bustling mill town to a quiet rural community. Using rare historical accounts, this episode traces the rise, trials, and survival of Tower, Michigan, from 1900 to 1950. It’s a story echoed in small towns across the state — places built by the forest, changed by time, and held together by the people who stayed.

📣 New Podcast! "The History of Tower, Michigan (1900–1950) " on @Spreaker #and #black #dam #detroit #end #era #factory #flood #handle #history #logging #lumber #mackinac #michigan #railway #river #stratton #tower #towns #wildfires

Akron Michigan History: Coal, Rails, and Community in the Early 1900s Step back into the early 1900s with Coal, Rails, and Community: Akron Michigan History. This 3-minute historical feature brings rare postcard images to life, showing the coal mines, railroads, parades, and Main Street scenes that shaped this Tuscola County town. Learn how Akron’s coal industry powered local growth, how the railroad connected it to the outside world, and how community pride kept the town strong through change. Perfect for history fans, Michigan natives, and anyone who loves a good small-town story.

📣 New Podcast! "Akron Michigan History: Coal, Rails, and Community in the Early 1900s" on @Spreaker #1900s #akron #coal #county #early #farming #historic #history #in #industrial #mi #michigan #mining #postcards #railroad #railroads #small #town #towns #tuscola

Adrian’s Turn-of-the-Century Story Step back into early 20th-century Adrian, Michigan, through rare postcard images and a compelling historical narrative. This videocast reveals eight moments that shaped the “Maple City,” from the bustling streets of Main Street to the quiet halls of Adrian College. See how the 1912 Lion Motor Works fire ended Adrian’s bid to join the auto industry, visit the Industrial Home for Girls, and stand on the platform of the Lake Shore Railroad Depot. Travel the old U.S. 223 to The Wigwam roadside attraction, and witness the town’s pride during its 1925 centennial celebration. If you love Michigan history, small-town stories, and archival photography brought to life, this episode is for you. 📜 Watch, listen, and learn how Adrian balanced ambition, tradition, and change #MichiganHistory #VintageMichigan #AdrianMichigan

📣 New Podcast! "Adrian’s Turn-of-the-Century Story" on @Spreaker #adrian #college #fire #historic #history #industrial #lion #main #michigan #motor #photos #postcards #street #vintage #works

4.8K views · 101 reactions | In the early 1900s, Onsted, Michigan, thrived as a hub of grain, trains, and getaway tourism on Sand Lake. This reel takes you down Main Street, into the depot, and across... In the early 1900s, Onsted, Michigan, thrived as a hub of grain, trains, and getaway tourism on Sand Lake. This reel takes you down Main Street, into the depot, and across the quiet ripples of time......

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History of Vassar Michigan – How Floods and Trains Shaped the Town (1908-1939)

Between 1908 and 1930, Vassar, Michigan faced challenges like frequent floods and a train derailment, yet adapted by diversifying its economy and maintaining community spirit. Historical buildings and the railroad depot…

AI Attitudes Study Shows Stark Divide Among Marginalized Groups, University of Michigan Reports A University of Michigan study reveals significant AI skepticism among nonbinary, transgender, and disabled individuals, highlighting concerns on social bias in AI applications and urging policymakers to include marginalized voices to ensure equitable technology development.

AI Attitudes Study Shows Stark Divide Among Marginalized Groups, University of Michigan Reports

A University of Michigan study reveals significant AI skepticism among nonbinary, transgender, and disabled individuals, highlighting concerns on social bias in AI applications and urging policymakers…

Michigan Voter Turnout Surges After Proposal 2022-2 with Record Early Voting Michigan experienced record voter turnout in the 2024 presidential election, with over 5.7 million ballots cast, largely due to early and mail voting from Proposition 2022?2, enabling broader participation across demographics and counties.

Michigan Voter Turnout Surges After Proposal 2022-2 with Record Early Voting

Michigan experienced record voter turnout in the 2024 presidential election, with over 5.7 million ballots cast, largely due to early and mail voting from Proposition 2022?2, enabling broader participation across…

Port Hope, Michigan’s 1908 Independence Day Celebration Captured in Rare Photograph On July 4, 1908, Port Hope, Michigan celebrated with a large crowd, including a brass band, revealing the town's civic pride and life transition from lumber to agriculture.

Port Hope, Michigan’s 1908 Independence Day Celebration Captured in Rare Photograph

On July 4, 1908, Port Hope, Michigan celebrated with a large crowd, including a brass band, revealing the town's civic pride and life transition from lumber to agriculture.

July Celebrations in Early Vassar: 1909 and 1910 Parades on Huron Avenue VASSAR, Mich. — Two rare photographs from the early 20th century offer a glimpse into Vassar’s vibrant Fourth of July celebrations in 1909 and 1910. Captured on Huron Avenue, these images show the city during a period of rapid change, when horse-drawn wagons still lined the streets and automobiles were just starting to appear. The first image, dated July 5, 1909, shows a street parade led by a man on horseback.

July Celebrations in Early Vassar: 1909 and 1910 Parades on Huron Avenue

VASSAR, Mich. — Two rare photographs from the early 20th century offer a glimpse into Vassar’s vibrant Fourth of July celebrations in 1909 and 1910. Captured on Huron Avenue, these images show the city during a period of…

Fear of Fed Public Media Cuts Force Lay Offs At MSU’s WKAR WKAR Public Media lays off nine staff due to a CPB funding rescission, which impacts TV production, digital operations, and fundraising. Federal budget cuts exacerbate challenges for public broadcasters, threatening crucial services and community programs across Michigan.

Fear of Fed Public Media Cuts Force Lay Offs At MSU’s WKAR

WKAR Public Media lays off nine staff due to a CPB funding rescission, which impacts TV production, digital operations, and fundraising. Federal budget cuts exacerbate challenges for public broadcasters, threatening crucial services and…

Medicaid Cuts and SNAP Reduction in BBB – Michigan Cities, Hospitals and Farmers Face $4.53 Billion Loss Governor Whitmer warns that proposed Medicaid and SNAP cuts could devastate Michigan's economy, leading to a $4.53 billion GDP decline and over 41,500 lost jobs, severely impacting local healthcare and businesses reliant on these programs.

Medicaid Cuts and SNAP Reduction in BBB – Michigan Cities, Hospitals and Farmers Face $4.53 Billion Loss

Governor Whitmer warns that proposed Medicaid and SNAP cuts could devastate Michigan's economy, leading to a $4.53 billion GDP decline and over 41,500 lost jobs, severely impacting local…

Fireworks in Michigan’s Thumb Region – 9 Dazzling Displays To Celebrate Independence Day Fireworks in Michigan’s Thumb Region will light up the skies from July 3 to 12, with events spanning five counties. Safety officials urge responsible use amid rising injury rates associated with consumer fireworks during the festivities.

Fireworks in Michigan’s Thumb Region – 9 Dazzling Displays To Celebrate Independence Day

Fireworks in Michigan’s Thumb Region will light up the skies from July 3 to 12, with events spanning five counties. Safety officials urge responsible use amid rising injury rates associated with consumer…